Liz Caroll and Charlotte Lucas grew up in design school — spending hours scouring antique shops, fabric stores, furniture showrooms and flea markets alongside their interior designer of a mother. Today they’ve learned how to use their lessons on mastering color and pattern as an integral tool in their shared passion turned profession. With two successful interior design businesses of their own, the duo desired another creative outlet and so they launched House of Harris, whose title pays tribute to their maiden name — collaborating to create a line of high-end textiles and wallpaper which reflect their combined style. Design certainly runs deep for these two North Carolina sisters (whose younger sister also happens to be in the industry).

Inherently Liz and Charlotte, House of Harris screams all-things The New Southern — modern, carefree and honoring its roots. The vibrant, punchy colors of the prints channel a flair for travel and eclectic taste. Visually hypnotising and cheerful with lighthearted, modernized florals and a less stuffy, more easygoing vibe. The sisters’ patterns can add an element of whimsical delight to any home. One that is ideal for entertaining enthusiasts and fellow interior designers, alike.

Recently named House Beautiful’s 2017 Next Wave Designer, Charlotte has a bold and daring design personality that is perfectly complemented by that of Liz, whose style is grounded in tranquil, soothing colors and natural textures that reflect her seaside Carolina home. Nationally, these sisters are gaining attention for their entertaining style, recently published in Vogue, Veranda, and Domino.

We applaud the two for paving the way for classic prints to be embraced with a modern, Southern twist — inspiring other creatives to bridge their past and their present.

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell me about yourself.

Liz Carroll + Charlotte Lucas: We are sister designers from North Carolina, Liz Harris Carroll of Liz Carroll Interiors in Wilmington and Charlotte Harris Lucas of Charlotte Lucas Interior Design in Charlotte. Using our combined decades of experience building two successful interior design businesses, we have recently joined forces to launch House of Harris, a new fabric and wallpaper line.

House of Harris features whimsical patterns and vibrant colors with a decidedly modern flair. Inspired by the cities and streets we lived and grew up on, the first collection pays homage to our North Carolina roots.

These designs also reflect our eclectic styles and love for travel, taking inspiration from recent trips to France and Palm Beach. House of Harris’ first collection showcases a variety of unique and colorful patterns with interest in high quality, live-able and durable materials designed in-house and manufactured in the USA.

AR: How are you modernizing / updating Southern style when you design?

LC + CL: We identify our Southern style being represented by designs that withstand the test of time using subtle textures, punchy colors, and modern scale.

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with Southern style across the country?

LC + CL: Southern designers and homeowners alike are bringing new life to Southern traditions of entertaining in tablescape design. Our generation is designing and entertaining with our grandmother’s heart and our own modern eyes. Linens for dinner and cocktail parties have been revitalized with impactful color and design, china patterns and silver are being mixed and matched, and it is all so lovely and lively!

AR: What are your favorite hometown design boutiques?

LC + CL: In Wilmington, we love Protocol and Paysage. In Charlotte, our go-to’s are Darnell, Mrs. Howards, and every antique store.

Alyssa Rosenheck's The New Southern Designer Spotlight with Liz Harris Caroll and Charlotte Harris Lucas, House of Harris of Wilmington, NC

Photo: ©House of Harris, Personal Collection

AR: Favorite shade of white and black paint color?

LC + CL: “Simply White” by Benjamin Moore and “Pitch Black” by Farrow and Ball.

AR: The key to making a house a home? What does a home need more of and less of?

LC + CL: Making a house a home is achieved by surrounding yourself with belongings that hold memories—they are yours, your great grandmother’s, or a stranger’s. Homes need less overhead lighting and more entertaining spaces.

AR: What’s the best piece of design advice you could provide for creative entrepreneurs starting out?

LC + CL: The best business advice we would offer is to be 100% proud of your product, as well as being patient in the developing stage—that’s crucial. Leverage your skills to optimize your success. Realizing your strengths helps you in the fundamental stages to learn where you need help from outside sources, partners, or team members.

AR: What’s your advice for mixing old with new?

LC + CL: Vintage furniture can take on a completely new life upholstered in a bold pattern or fun color. Look at the lines of the furniture as the attractive feature and ignore all the rest.

AR: Your momma always said…

LC + CL: Measure twice, make once.

AR: What’s your favorite housewarming gift?

LC + CL: A Bonnie + Bud Box! Local to Charlotte, the Bonnie + Bud boxes are filled with personalized specialties and can be shipped anywhere in a beautiful presentation.

AR: What’s your dream project/client?

LC + CL: We would adore to do a luxury yacht! The industry renovated outdoor fabrics so that every space can be both beautiful and functional.